The Blockade Runner — page 227: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

228 : THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. “Tt is not in my nature to do that with any man, be the provocation what it may.” “T presume you will kill me, too, if I persist in loving Norah ?” said Powers with a sneer. el ‘have nothing to do with your love for the girl. But if you Pore her I will defend and protect her against you.” ‘“ Indeed,” said Powers coolly. “Ay, indeed. If you mean the girl well you will conduct your suit on gentle lines. I fancy, however, that you will not succeed.” “ And why not, pray ?” ‘ Because it is apparent she does not like you.” “T will overcome that objection.” “There is another obstacle that you will not so easily dispose of.” “ Bentham ?” | ‘“ Ay; unless [ am blind in such matters, Norah loves the Yankee gunner.” “T shall fix him, never fear, unless you perform that pleasing duty for me.” “ Never mind what I propose to do about Bentham. It is my own affair. All I have to say is to repeat my warning in respect to Norah. She is my guest, or rather my niece’s. Leave her alone, Captain Powers, or take the consequences.” “T intend to. You have no right to act as that girl’s guardian. If you are championing her cause for a certain purpose, | am ready to enter the lists and tilt for her heart. Let us begin here. There can never be peace between us. Draw!” Powers stepped back a pace and is eicsaes out ihe sword he carried at his side. GCoOmMmicbdooks-com